Precision measurement dispenser

ABSTRACT

A precision measurement dispenser provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a storage container that is preferably airtight. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section that is preferably positioned within the storage container. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient by gravity to a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control, temperature control, and/or humidity control on the storage container. The dispensing section uses screw, roll, vibration, or shuttle mechanisms for precise dispensing of material.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/399,789 filed Mar. 6, 2009, entitled PRECISION MEASUREMENTDISPENSER, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,523,014, the entire disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes, and whichclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/034,277, filed Mar. 6, 2008, entitled PRECISIONMEASUREMENT DISPENSER, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of food preparation, andmore particularly to an apparatus for the bulk storage and precisionmetered dispensing of granular food ingredients.

Food preparation often involves using basic ingredients that are ingranular form, e.g., flour of various types and origins, sugar ofvarious types and origins, baking soda, baking powder, ground spices,powdered seasonings, or the like. Traditionally, granular ingredientsare measured by volume, and many or even most recipes are writtenaccordingly.

However, it is known that measuring recipe ingredients by volume hasdrawbacks. For example, the ingredients may settle during storage, ormay be loaded differently into the measuring vessels be differentindividuals, and accordingly the density will change. Therefore, equalvolumes of an ingredient may have different weights, affecting theprecision of the preparation.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome these and otherdeficiencies in the known art. Therefore, the present disclosureprovides a storage dispensing unit for storage of a granular bulkmaterial in a standard or airtight (hermetic) storage container. Thegranular material is held in a storage container which feeds an includeddispensing section. The dispensing section selectively dispenses theingredient downward to a base, which optionally includes a weightingtray or a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storagedispensing unit also may include a display and a keypad for entry of adesired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which ofplural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requestedvolumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense byweight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit furtheroptionally includes pressure control on the storage container, i.e.,vacuum, and maintains an airtight or hermetic seal when not activelydispensing. Optionally, temperature and/or humidity may also becontrolled to enhance the shelf life of various stored ingredients. Thedispensing unit may be used for storing ingredients or as a precisedispensing apparatus, wherein ingredients are only temporarily storedfor the purpose of dispensing a precise amount of the ingredient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,and, together with the general description given above and the detaileddescription given below, serve to explain features of the invention.These and other features and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing description of the disclosure which refers to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structuresacross the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a storage dispenser unit according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure in front elevation view;

FIG. 2 illustrates the storage dispenser unit of FIG. 1 in a sideelevation view;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present disclosurehaving a screw-feed dispenser;

FIG. 4 illustrates an upper storage container portion of the embodimentshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the control buttons or touch screencontrols associated with the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the display associated with the embodimentof FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed side elevation view of the airlock andscrew feed associated with the embodiment of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the airlock and screw feedassociated with the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure having a pluralityof movable storage compartments associated with a single motor, base,and weighing tray that are stationary.

FIG. 9B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the disclosure having aplurality of stationary storage compartments associated with a singlemotor, base, and weighing tray that moves along a track.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a storagecompartment with a roller feed dispensing mechanism.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a storagecompartment with a roller feed dispensing mechanism attached to a motor.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a storagecompartment with a vibration feed dispensing mechanism.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a storagecompartment with a vibration feed dispensing mechanism.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a storagecompartment with a rotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanism.

FIG. 15 illustrates a sectional view from below of an embodiment of astorage compartment with a rotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanism ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a storage compartmentwith a rotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanism of FIGS. 14-15.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a storage compartmentwith a rotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanism in accordance with FIGS.14-16.

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a storage compartmentwith a rotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanism in accordance with FIGS.14-17.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view from above of an embodiment of arotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanism using multiple disks to form avariable pocket volume.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view from below of an embodiment of arotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanism using multiple disks to form avariable pocket volume.

FIG. 21 illustrates another perspective view from below of an embodimentof a rotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanism using multiple disks toform a variable pocket volume.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view from above of an embodiment ofstorage compartment with a rotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanismusing multiple disks to form a variable pocket volume.

FIG. 23 illustrates another perspective view from above of an embodimentof storage compartment with a rotary shuttle feed dispensing mechanismusing multiple disks to form a variable pocket volume.

FIG. 24 illustrates an electrical schematic diagram of an embodiment ofa dispensing unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.References made to particular examples and implementations are forillustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention or the claims.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

Provided according to the present disclosure is a storage dispenserunit, generally 10, for a bulk granular product. We refer herein toflour as the exemplary ingredient merely as convenience, however it willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosureis applicable to any other granular or similar substance used inrecipes, including but not limited to sugar, brown sugar, sweeteners(e.g., sugar substitutes), salt, starch (e.g., corn starch, potatostarch, etc.), cocoa powder, carob powder, egg powder (e.g., egg white,yolk, and whole egg powders), maltodextrin, sweet dairy whey, tapioca,gelatin, textured vegetable protein (TVP), spices and other seasonings,rice, oats, beans, grains, couscous, dried pastas, dried fruit, driedvegetables, nuts, chips (e.g., chocolate chips, butterscotch chips,etc.), baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, bread crumbs, battermixes, powdered milk, pudding mixes, dry yeast, dry cereal, candy, andseeds (e.g., sesame seeds, alfalfa seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc.).

Storage dispenser unit 10 includes a base 12 at its bottom, and a stand14 rising from the base 12. The stand 14 supports a canister 16 abovethe base 12. In a further embodiment the stand 14 may be collapsible toreduce the height of the storage dispenser unit 10 when it is not inuse. Alternately or additionally the canister 16 and/or the stand 14 maybe detachable from the stand 14 and/or the base 12, respectively, alsoto facilitate storage.

The canister 16 includes a storage compartment 18, sealed by cover 20.The seal of cover 20 is preferably airtight or hermetic, yet releasable.Optionally a translucent or transparent window 22 is provided in thestorage compartment 18 to permit visual determination of the contents ofthe storage compartment 18, i.e., their type and/or quantity.Alternately or additionally the storage compartment itself istransparent or translucent to permit the visual identification. Thestorage compartment 18 may also be formed of any suitable material(plastic, ceramic, metal, wood, etc.) and include colors, designs,graduated markings, and labels (including frames or other means forholding labels, such as stick-on and magnetic, as well as label areasformed of dry-erase or chalkboard for hand labeling). The storagecompartments 18 may vary in size and/or shape, and differing propertiesof the storage compartments 18 may aid in distinguishing the materialswithin them.

Beneath the storage compartment 18 is a dispensing section 24. Thedispensing section receives the stored bulk goods from the storagecompartment 18 above and selectively dispenses them below in thedirection of the base 12. Provided on the dispensing section 24 are adisplay 26, and keypad 28, although either or both may be locatedelsewhere on the storage dispenser unit 10, or even remote from it. Apower cord 34 connects with an external electric source to provide poweras necessary to the storage dispenser unit 10. Alternately oradditionally, electric power as needed would be sourced from internalbatteries, solar panels or other available means.

Flour is commonly sold in retail quantities of 5 lbs. Therefore in oneembodiment, storage compartment 18 is preferably sized to accommodateapproximately 5 lbs. (2286 g) of flour, or at a common equivalent volumeof 0.826 lbs. per 3 cups for all-purpose flour, approximately 18.2 cups(262.2 cubic inches; 4.296 liters). Additional space may be provided asa matter of convenience. Other sizes may be chosen as desired, orderived for contents other than flour, or for other applications. Forindustrial applications, larger storage compartments 18 capable ofhandling higher quantities of granular material may be desirable.

The base 12 includes a surface that can support a vessel 32 to receivethe dispensed material. In one embodiment, the base includes a scale(not shown) having a weighing tray 30. For the embodiment describedabove adapted to store and dispense 5 lbs. of flour, the scalepreferably has a resolution of one-eighth (0.125) oz. (1 g), preferablysmaller than the smallest amount to be dispensed, and a maximum capacityof 4 lbs. (1.8 kg), preferably larger than the largest amount to bedispensed. The weight on the weighing tray may be displayed on thedisplay 26. Optionally, the displayed weight can be converted betweenEnglish and metric units. The weighing tray 30 is preferably removable,for example for cleaning, and preferably is constructed of stainlesssteel. For applications involving larger quantities of material, thescale resolution may be modified, but should still have a resolutionsmaller than the smallest amount to be dispensed, and a maximum capacitypreferably larger than the largest amount to be dispensed.

The storage dispenser unit also includes a controller (not shown) whichreceives data input via the keypad or another means, receives data fromthe scale. The controller directs the operation of the dispensingsection 24 and/or the display 26. In a common mode of operation, theuser would place a vessel 32 on the weighing tray 30 beneath thedispensing section 24. The scale may measure the weight of the vessel 32before dispensing as the tare. Tare may also be manually set by the userdepressing button 36 with the vessel 32 in place on the weighing tray30. Tare button is 36 positioned in the exemplary embodiment on the base12, but may also be located elsewhere on the storage dispenser unit 10,or remote from it.

Using the keypad 28, the user would enter a quantity and units to bedispensed, and in some embodiments, the type of ingredient to bedispensed. Moreover, the controller can accept a desired quantity givenin commonly used volumetric units, and by use of a stored conversionfactor, lookup table, or similar tool, convert to weight measure anddispense according to an equivalent weight. The keypad optionally hasdedicated confirmation means, for example a single-purpose ‘dispense’button, or a multi-purpose button to be depressed at an appropriatetime, to confirm that dispensing is to begin, in order to avoidinadvertent dispensing without and appropriate vessel 32 in place toreceive the ingredient. It will be noted that the particular other ofsteps described above may be altered without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure.

Having received a desired quantity (and optionally type) of ingredient,the controller activates the dispensing section 24 to release thedesired quantity. The controller receives feedback via the weightingtray 30 of the scale as to the weight of ingredient dispensed. The rateof dispensing can be controlled to prevent over-dispensing the selectedingredient due to feedback delays at the scale, controller, and/ordispensing section 24. The controller further optionally includesstorage to store certain present quantities of one of more ingredients,i.e., recipes, which can be recalled through the keypad 28 and dispensedin a consolidated operation.

In another embodiment, the function of weighing the ingredient fordispensing the selected quantity is accomplished internally to thedispensing section 24. In this embodiment the dispensing section 24weighs certain quantity of the ingredient internally, and dispenses theweighed amount below itself. In this embodiment, the scale to confirmthe accuracy of the quantity dispensed is internal to the dispensingsection 24, and the weighing occurs before the ingredient is releasedfrom the dispensing section 24. In this embodiment, the scale andweighing tray 30 may be provided as well, for the convenience of theuser. Additionally, they may be incorporated into the dispensing processas a verification of the dispensed quantity.

As noted above, cover 20 preferably maintains an airtight seal of thestorage compartment 18, to preserve the freshness of the food ingredientstored therein. Optionally, once sealed, a vacuum may be applied to thestorage compartment, for example by an internal or externally-connectedvacuum pump (not shown) to help maintain the freshness of the storedingredient. More preferably, the storage dispenser unit 10 may includetemperature control, e.g., heating or cooling elements, to avoidextremes of temperature to further promote and maintain the freshness ofthe stored food ingredient. In certain embodiments, the cover 20 mayalso include elements to control humidity within the storage compartment18. For example, a compartment or other means for providing a desiccantor humectant material to the cover 20 may be used to reduce or increasehumidity within the storage compartment 18.

Flour has been described herein as an exemplary ingredient, but theforegoing apparatus is applicable for the storage and dispensing ofvirtually any granular or fluid substance. Among food preparationingredients, the present apparatus is useful for storage and dispensingof flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, oats, rice, peas, and nuts,just to name a few. Moreover, there are additionally applicationsoutside the kitchen where the precise dispensing of bulk material,preferably by weight, would be desirable.

In particular, an embodiment is contemplated wherein a plurality ofingredients are stored and selectively dispensed. This is particularlyapplicable to spices and flavorings, or other ingredients that aretypically used in smaller quantities than flour, sugar, or the like.Accordingly, the size of storage necessary for convenient and usage ofsuch small-quantity ingredients is reduced. Plural ingredients may bestored separately in a single unit that is not excessive in size. Theuser may select the ingredient to be dispensed along with the quantityvia keypad 28. Stored recipes consisting of several ingredients may beincluded or user-input for added convenience as well. The measures toenhance shelf-life discussed above are equally applicable to theplural-ingredient embodiment.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a precisionmeasurement dispenser (PMD) is a precision measuring converter andoutput device for dry goods such as flours and grains or other granularsubstances. One of its primary purposes is to eliminate the need formeasuring cups or guesswork between units of measurement. The PMD usesthe same amount of counter space (e.g., footprint) as a standardcanister, may have an added feature of adjustable height to collapseinto the same overall space as a conventional canister of similarvolume. Is also may extend vertically to accommodate bowls or containersof various sizes.

An internal scale converts cups to grams, in addition to otherconversions. A digital display shows introduced and converted amounts;interchangeable canisters can be reserved and stored according to theircontents. An internal processor may display the contents of eachinterchangeable canister, aiding in proper dispensing and conversion. Avacuum seal on the canister may allow for long-term storage.

An air-sealed chamber dispenses directly into a bowl or vessel ofchoice. The PMD can be used to measure and store various types ofmaterials such as flours or grains. The PMD may be battery, solar orcord-powered.

An upper part comprises an interchangeable storage/input container whichslides vertically and is held in place with a ratcheting mechanism;Hinged feed-door in top; Window gauge or optionally a transparent ortranslucent canister; LCD readout; Control buttons or touch screencontrols for conversion of cups-to-gram, ounces-to-grams,pounds-to-grams, grams-to-ounces, gram-to-pounds, and other calculationsincluding internal calculations executed to convert a requestedvolumetric quantity of material to a corresponding weight; Processor andscale inside upper housing which surrounds the storage/input container;Cylinder with airlock and feed-screw; Supporting middle section; Outputbase with optional separable output vessel. See FIG. 3

In the function of this further embodiment, a bowl or other container isplaced on the PMD's output base. The PMD may be adjusted to the heightof the output container. Flour or other dry granular substance is eitherpreviously-stored or poured into top of the container. Ifpreviously-stored, the container may be separable and attached to thePMD at the time of use. Using the control buttons or touch screencontrols, the user enters the amount desired and the output measurementdesired. The processor may calculate the output and a LCD readout showsthe exact amount to be dispensed, in the target measurement, anddispenses the amount into the bowl in the output base.

The user pours the substance to be measured into the input container(FIG. 4). Using the control buttons or touch screen controls on thecontainer cylinder (FIG. 5), the user enters the desired output amounts(for example, 1 cup). The calculator inside the unit's upper part (notpictured—internal) computes the output in the desired measurement anddisplays that in the LCD readout (FIG. 6). At that point the door of theinner airlock chamber (FIG. 7) opens to receive the granular substanceand the feed screw (FIG. 8) of a screw feed apparatus turns to fill thecylinder.

The airlock chamber rotates so that the door faces downward and thefirst part of the substance is delivered. The airlock chamber rotates toreceive more of the granular substance (if necessary), and the feedscrew continues in the other direction, pushing more of the substanceinto the cylinder (FIG. 8). The airlock chamber rotates again, repeatingthe process while the feed screw continues moving in alternatedirections to quickly fill the airlock chamber. Thus the airlock chamberworks fluidly with the feed screw to alternately receive and expel thesubstance until the desired amount is finally deposited. This cyclerepeats until desired weight is subtracted from the storage container.The feed screw may be capable of measuring out accurate measurementsdown to the desired precision, such as 0.125 oz.

The remaining granular substance in the container can then be furthermeted out, or it can be stored, optionally after re-establishment of avacuum seal within the storage container. An internal switchboard givesthe user ability to assign each storage/input container to a particularingredient. The storage/input container slides on and off the unitvertically and can be interchanged with other containers for ease ofcleaning and measuring of differing materials.

In the present embodiment, the following material selections arecontemplated, though others may be used. The upper part with aninterchangeable input container—ABS plastic. Hingedfeed-door—transparent polycarbonate. Window gauge—transparentpolycarbonate. LCD readout—per component supplier/manufacturer; Controlbuttons—ABS plastic; Processor and scale—per componentsupplier/manufacturer; Cylinder with airlock—transparent polycarbonate;Feed-screw—transparent polycarbonate, however some ingredients mayrequire stainless steel; Supporting middle section—ABS plastic; Outputbase—ABS plastic. If the control buttons are replaced with a touchscreen, the materials for the touch screen include both plastic andglass, as well as combinations.

With the shape and size of this particular product, injection moldingwould be the choice of manufacturing. Injection molding is the mostcommonly practiced plastic processing method in the plastics industry.This process can produce all different shapes and sizes of plasticproducts, and can produce the most complex of plastic parts. Injectionmolding uses force to push plastic into a cold steel mold to form thepart being produced.

In order to reduce the manufacturing and retail price of the product, itis possible to construct a simpler interchangeable storage/inputcontainer without parts such as scale, processor, temperature control,and/or readout. Reserving these parts for only the non-interchangeablebase unit may reduce retail costs for units with multiple storagecontainers. The storage containers may be configured to retain theoptional vacuum seal upon removal from the PMD. This would result in abase unit with incorporated scale, motor, processor and LCD readout (andoptional temperature control and vacuum pump). The base unit andprocessor may receive information as to the contents of a particularcontainer from the interchangeable container, and the processor maydirect the dispensing section accordingly.

Humidity control is contemplated for the present PMD, notwithstandingthe implied cost of an associated compressor and refrigeration unit forcondensing and removing humidity. As an alternative cooling unit a heatpipe may be employed, similar to those used in computer-processorcooling, notwithstanding the cost. Humidity control may also be achievedby use of desiccants and humectants (such as in a container cover).

A significant improvement over prior art devices may be realized byincorporating the dispensing section 24 into the storage container 18.Such an embodiment may eliminate cross-contamination since the partsthat touch the material will stay with the container at all times. Powerfor the mechanism may be provided by the storage dispensing unit basethrough mechanical couplings, electrical connections, or the like. Theembodiment of FIGS. 1-8, as well as further embodiments described hereinmay thus be configured with the dispensing section mechanism integratedor otherwise included into the storage compartment 18.

FIG. 9A schematically illustrates an embodiment wherein a single baseunit interacts with multiple storage compartments 18 that each include adispensing section mechanism 24. In this embodiment, a stationary baseunit comprises base 12, a scale section or weighing tray 30, and a motorunit 120. The vessel or bowl 32 is placed on the weighing tray 30 andthe scale zeroed upon determination of the tare (not illustrated).Multiple storage compartments 18 are mounted for movement via a rail orrotating element 90. The movement may be manual or controlled by aprocessor or controller (not shown) of the base unit so that materialcan be dispensed from the various storage compartments 18. When astorage compartment 18 is positioned to interact with the base unit, thedispensing section mechanism 24 interfaces with a drive unit or motor120 in order to dispense material under the control of the base unit.While illustrated as having a particular number of uniform sized storagecontainers 18, any number and configuration of storage containers 18 maybe employed.

FIG. 9B schematically illustrates another embodiment wherein a singlebase unit interacts with multiple storage compartments 18 that eachinclude a dispensing section mechanism 24. In this embodiment, a movablebase unit comprises base 12, a scale section or weighing tray 30, and amotor unit 120 that are mounted on a translational means such as a rail91. The vessel or bowl 32 is placed on the weighing tray 30 and thescale zeroed upon determination of the tare (not illustrated). Multiplestorage compartments 18 are positioned in a fixed manner relative to oneanother and the base unit is moved in order to interact with the variousstorage compartments 18. The movement may be manual or controlled by aprocessor or controller (not shown) of the base unit so that materialcan be dispensed from the various storage compartments 18. When the baseunit is positioned to interact with a storage compartment 18, the driveunit or motor 120 interfaces with dispensing section mechanism 24 inorder to dispense material under the control of the base unit. Whileillustrated as having a particular number of uniform sized storagecontainers 18, any number, size, and configuration of storage containers18 may be employed.

Optionally, each of the plurality of storage containers may include anidentifier 95 and the base unit may comprise a reader 96 so that it maydetermine the material stored in the storage container 18. Identifiers95 may be located on the container or a cover of the container.Identifiers 95 may include radio frequency identification (RFID) tags,bar codes, QR codes, etc. with reader 96 being an appropriate readingmechanism. Other mechanisms, such as near field communication (NFC) andBluetooth low energy (BLE) can also be used to provide identification,as well as quantity or other sensed variables via a built-in sensor (notshown). The controller may have the identifiers 95 pre-programmed, ormay include a training procedure for input of the identifier 95 alongwith an association with a particular material. In this manner, recipescan be automatically dispensed from the various storage containers 18under the control of the base unit.

Another embodiment of a dispensing section mechanism 24 included on astorage container 18 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The feed screw of FIG. 8is replaced with a substantially cylindrical roller or shaft 100 of aroller feed mechanism. Storage compartment 18 is mounted above shaft100, allowing the stored granular material to be introduced to the topsurface of the shaft 100. A motor or other drive unit turns shaft 100clockwise in the embodiment, which draws the material against meteringwall 110 and then ejects the material below based upon gravity. Shaft100 or metering wall 110 may be moved relative to each other or relativeto storage compartment 18 to regulate the flow of material.Additionally, shaft 100 may be moved up against the bottom of storagecompartment 18 when not in use, sealing storage compartment 18. Whilethe storage container 18 may take various shapes, it is preferable tohave angled walls near the outlet in order to improve gravity flow ofthe material.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 10. A motor 120(or other drive unit) may be placed in a convenient position to turnshaft 100. The motor 120 may be part of the storage compartment 18 orpart of the base unit. The surface of shaft 100 may be smooth, coatedwith a soft rubber-like material, or textured to best suit the materialbeing dispensed. For example, the surface of shaft 100 may be knurledmetal.

It is also possible to dispense granular or powder materials using avibration feed apparatus. An alternative embodiment of the dispensingsection mechanism 24 is illustrated in FIG. 12. Storage compartment 18is mounted above a chute 200 with an outlet (not illustrated) feedingmaterial to the chute 200. Vibrator 220 is attached to chute 200 viaflexural elements 210, which transmit or focus the direction ofvibratory motion in a desired direction. Thus, chute 200 is energizedinto vibratory motion as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 12. Thevibratory motion of chute 200 transports and ejects granular material ata precise rate that may be calibrated. It is also possible to vary theflow based on the position of the chute. For example, the position orangle of chute 200 may be adjusted relative to storage compartment 18 inorder to adjust the flow rate of material. In this embodiment, thevibratory action may also provide an advantage by agitating andhomogenizing the material to reduce blockages or interruptions in flow,such as by breaking clumps or agglomerations.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section of the vibratory feed apparatus inaccordance with the embodiment of FIG. 12. In order to seal storagecompartment 18 when not in use, a door 230 may be provided which openswhen storage compartment 18 is placed upon the dispenser unit or broughtinto relation with the base unit. Thus material can be introduced bygravity into chute 200 and subsequently transported by the describedvibratory motion. While a hinged door 230 is illustrated, this is notmeant as a limitation and other means of sealing storage compartment 18are certainly feasible, such as soft plugs or membranes, sliding doors,or other devices known in the art.

The dispensing section mechanisms 24 described in FIGS. 1-13 arepreferably integrated into corresponding storage containers 18 to avoidcross-contamination problems. Moreover, the dispensing sectionmechanisms 24 described in FIGS. 1-13 should preferably be able totransport significant quantities of material quickly, yet be able todeliver precise amounts of material, typically down to approximately 1gram (0.125 oz). This may be a conflicting requirement with theprecision desired by the dispensing mechanisms described, since theyrely upon mechanical transport of material at an assumed or calibratedrate. No means of measuring the material is provided during actualtransport, so inconsistency, gaps, or clumps of material may adverselyimpact delivery accuracy.

In addition, as mentioned above, it is desirable to minimizecross-contamination of ingredients when placing new storage compartments18 onto the storage dispenser unit. In general, the dispensing sectionmechanisms of FIGS. 1-13 will retain some material inside the mechanismafter dispensing. This material will remain in an un-sealed environmentand is subject to spoiling or contamination. Un-dispensed material canleak or drop out the bottom from the dispensing section when thecontainer is stored. Thus, it is preferable to provide some means toevacuate the mechanism of this excess material. A waste compartment (notillustrated) may optionally be provided in the storage dispensermechanism, where the dispensing section mechanism is run while closedoff from storage compartment 18 but open to the waste compartment. Thusexcess material may be deposited in the waste compartment. Means, suchas vibration or compressed air, may also be provided to increase theefficacy of this cleaning operation. Further, it may also be possible toreverse the dispensing mechanism and feed excess material back intostorage container 18.

Alternatively, a dispensing section mechanism may be provided whichminimizes leftover waste material while simplifying sealing of storagecontainer 18 by employing a shuttle feed mechanism that moves or“shuttles” precise amounts of material to a dispensing port. Thisalternate embodiment may effectively address the problem of fastdelivery with precise measurement, since an efficient means of measuringthe material is provided during transport. However, since the shuttlefeed relies upon material volume instead of weight, a first volume ofmaterial may be selected based upon an estimated weight of the material,the weight calibrated upon the first amount of shuttle-fed material, andsubsequent volumes shuttle-fed to obtain the desired weight of material.Alternately, shuttle-fed amounts may be delivered initially based uponvolume, with measured weight being used to adjust the final delivery ofmaterial. Further, while a rotary-type shuttle feed apparatus isdisclosed herein, embodiments may also employ a linear-type shuttle feedapparatus or other known shuttle feed mechanisms (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, material dispensing is accomplishedvia a rotary shuttle feed apparatus using a disk 300 mounted in thebottom of storage compartment 18. Disk 300 is rotated via coupler 320(illustrated as a toothed gear, although not limited thereto), driven bya motor in or associated with the base of the storage dispenser unit.Thus disk 300 and coupler 320 stay with storage container 18. Disk 300contains two pockets 301 and 302. In the preferred embodiment, pockets301 and 302 are different sizes. An agitator 310 is attached to disk 300and rotates with it.

Referring to FIG. 15, a dispensing port 185 is provided in the bottom ofstorage container 18. In the neutral or storage position of disk 300,dispensing port 185 is blocked by not being in registration with anypockets, effectively sealing storage container 18. In this positionpockets 301 and 302 are open to the stored granular material, but notopen to dispensing port 185. A top view of wheel 300 in the neutralposition is shown in FIG. 16. Now referring to FIG. 14, pocket 302 issignificantly larger than pocket 301, so a different amount of materialfills each pocket while wheel 300 is in the neutral position. If thecontroller of the storage dispensing device commands a large amount ofmaterial, the motor rotates wheel 300 clockwise (viewed from above inFIG. 14) via coupler 320. Wheel 300 will rotate clockwise until pocket302 aligns with dispensing port 185, allowing the material to bedispensed by gravity. A wall 180 is provided inside storage container18, which serves to skim off any excess material in pocket 302 anddefine a specific volume. Thus a consistent approximate amount ofmaterial is dispensed each time wheel 300 rotates clockwise to thedispense position. The precise weighing function of the storagedispensing device controller is thus better able to control thedispensing process. FIG. 17 is a top view showing pocket 302 rotatedclockwise into alignment with dispensing port 185.

After the material is dispensed by gravity, wheel 300 is rotated back tothe neutral position so that pocket 302 may be refilled and re-used ifnecessary. Note that pocket 301 has remained filled during the entiredispense operation with pocket 302, so it too will be ready for asubsequent dispensing operation.

When dispensing has progressed to the point where a fine amount ofmaterial is required, the storage dispensing device controller will makeuse of pocket 301 to deliver smaller incremental amounts or “shots” ofmaterial. In this case, wheel 300 will be rotated counter-clockwise(viewed from above) until pocket 301 aligns with dispensing port 185 andthe material is dispensed via gravity. Again, wall 180 skims off anyextra material as pocket 301 passes underneath it, defining a precisevolume of material. Using a smaller pocket in this manner allowsresolution of much finer measurements of material. FIG. 18 is a top viewshowing pocket 301 rotated counter-clockwise into alignment withdispensing port 185. Again after dispensing, wheel 300 is rotated backto the neutral position and storage container 18 is sealed, ready forfurther dispensing.

A further refinement to the embodiment of FIGS. 14-18 replacesmulti-cavity disk 300 with a two-piece disk that includes an adjustablevolume pocket, as illustrated in FIGS. 19-23. This allows the finestpossible control of portion size. FIG. 19 shows outer disk 400 withinner disk 500 mounted within. Material agitator 510 is mounted rigidlyto inner disk 500. A wall 501 of inner disk 500 comprises one boundaryof the dispensing pocket 401 or outer disk 400. Inner disk 500 canrotate relative to outer disk 400, moving wall 501 and effectivelyvarying the size of dispensing pocket 401. Referring now to FIG. 20,drive coupling 420 rotates disk 400 just as in the previous embodimentof FIGS. 14-18. In this embodiment, a second drive coupling 520 isprovided to independently rotate inner disk 500 relative to outer disk400. In the preferred embodiment, drive couplings 420 and 520 arecoaxial, and are driven by separate coaxial stepper motors in orassociated with the storage dispensing unit base. Again, other suitabledrive configurations can easily be imagined by someone with ordinaryskill in the art.

Referring again to FIG. 20, inner disk 500 has been rotated clockwiserelative to outer disk 400 (by turning coupling 520 relative to coupling420). This has the effect of positioning wall 501 closer to the opposingwall of dispensing pocket 401, reducing the size of dispensing pocket401. This configuration would be appropriate for precision measurements,such as for final dispensing to an accurate weight. Now referring toFIG. 21, inner coupling 520 is rotated counter-clockwise relative toouter coupling 420. This has the effect of moving wall 501 farther awayfrom the opposing wall of dispensing pocket 401, increasing the size ofdispensing pocket 401. This configuration would be appropriate fordispensing larger amounts of material at a faster rate.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-18, the disk assembly 400-500 is placedin the bottom of storage container 18 and acts to seal the containerwhile in the neutral position. As all or virtually all of the materialwill fall by gravity through the dispensing port, little to no excessmaterial will need to be addressed. A layer of non-stick material onwalls of the dispensing port may be employed to prevent any materialfrom remaining in the flow path outside of the sealed storage container18. Referring to FIGS. 20-22, prior to dispensing material, the storagedispensing device controller will calculate the ideal cavity or “shot”size. Inner disk 500 will be rotated relative to outer disk 400, viacoupler 520, in order to adjust the size of dispensing pocket 401.Stepper motors may be used, for example, in the base to provide feedbackon dispensing pocket size to the controller. Once the proper size hasbeen realized for dispenser pocket 401, the disk assembly 400-500 isrotated together towards the dispensing outlet of storage container, asillustrated in FIG. 23 to deliver a precise amount of material definedby the volume of the dispenser pocket 401 to the dispensing port (notshown) at the lower end of the storage container 18. Thus the desiredamount of material (i.e., “shot” size) is delivered. While the largestamount of material dispensed each time in pocket 401 is limited by thesize of the disks and container, the smallest size is only limited bythe granular nature of the material dispensed, such that 1 gram or lessaccuracy will typically be achievable.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, a precision measurementdispenser unit 10 includes a controller/processor 54 attached to memory52. The controller/processor 54 receives input from the keyboard 28 andthe scale or weighing tray 30, and provides output to display 26 anddispensing unit 24. The unit 10 is also preferably networked forcommunication with other devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the unit10 comprises a wireless transceiver 56 that uses an antenna 58 tocommunicate wirelessly with a network (not illustrated). For example,the transceiver 56 may be a wi-fi transceiver (i.e., 802.11a/b/g/n/ac),a cellular data transceiver (i.e., LTE, WiMax), or a Bluetoothtransceiver. The elements of unit 10 receive electrical power from apower source 64, which may be any suitable source, including but notlimited to batteries, solar cells, and power supplies that accept ACcurrent from cords.

Memory 52 may comprise volatile memory for execution of processes by thecontroller/processor 54, as well as non-volatile memory for storage ofprograms (i.e., processor-executable instructions) and databases. In anembodiment, the memory 52 stores recipes. In another embodiment,processor-executable instructions stored in memory 52 may be configuredto control the processor 54 such that recipes may be wirelesslydownloaded or updated via a network, such as the Internet, usingtransceiver 56. In further embodiments, the memory 52 stores at leastone program and database for providing or recommending recipe ingredientsubstitutions, such as for special diets (low-fat, low-calorie,low-cholesterol, low-carbohydrate, low-sugar, sugar-free, gluten-free,non-allergenic, high-protein, high-calorie, vegetarian, vegan, etc.). Inyet another embodiment, the memory 52 stores at least one program anddatabase for providing recipe portion controls.

The memory 52 and the controller/processor 54 may also be used to storeexpiration dates for materials in storage containers 18 so that user maybe provided with notice when stored materials have expired or arenearing expiration. The memory 52 and the controller/processor 54 mayfurther be used to control other storage parameters, such astemperature, humidity, and pressure via sensors and control elements(not shown). Similarly, the memory 52 and the controller/processor 54may also store and execute programs to be used in conjunction withidentifiers (e.g., RFID tags) on storage containers to associate thestored material with the correct containers, as well as track materialusage and recommend ordering of additional materials.

The preceding description of the embodiments is provided to enable anyperson skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed embodiments.Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein maybe applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles andnovel features disclosed herein. Further, any reference to claimelements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” or“the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

What is claimed is:
 1. A precision measurement dispenser, comprising: atleast one storage compartment for receiving and holding a quantity ofmaterial to be dispensed, the at least one storage compartmentcomprising: a dispensing section, wherein the dispensing sectioncomprises a rotary shuttle feed mechanism configured to shuttle preciseamounts of a material to a dispensing port at a lower end; and a baseunit comprising: a controller having an input section for receiving dataand an output section for directing the operation of the dispensingsection; a scale for weighing material dispensed by the dispensingsection, the scale being operative to provide feedback to the controllerfor monitoring the quantity of material dispensed from the dispensingsection; and a keypad for data entry to the controller, wherein: theinput section of the controller is configured to receive data from thekeypad indicating a type of ingredient of the material and a desiredquantity of material to be dispensed expressed in volumetric units, aprocessor of the controller is configured to convert the desiredvolumetric units of the type of ingredient to corresponding weight unitsof material to be dispensed, and the output section of the controller isconfigured to output a control signal to the dispensing unit to causethe dispensing unit to dispense the desired quantity of material byweight.
 2. The precision measurement dispenser according to claim 1,further comprising a display operatively connected with the controller.3. The precision measurement dispenser according to claim 1, furthercomprising an electronic storage operative to store volumetric unit tomass unit conversion factors for one or more of the types of ingredientsof the materials to be dispensed, wherein the processor accesses theelectronic storage in directing operation of the dispensing section. 4.The precision measurement dispenser according to claim 3, wherein theelectronic storage is further operative to store at least one recipeconsisting of a plurality of ingredients and corresponding amounts ofthe ingredients to be dispensed.
 5. The precision measurement dispenseraccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one storage compartment isconfigured to be interchangeable.
 6. The precision measurement dispenseraccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one storage compartmentcomprises a plurality of storage compartments mounted for movementrelative to the base unit so as to position a single selected storagecompartment at a time adjacent the base unit.
 7. The precisionmeasurement dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least onestorage compartment comprises a plurality of storage compartments; andthe base unit is movable so as to position the base unit adjacent asingle selected storage compartment at a time.
 8. The precisionmeasurement dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the base unit ismovable along a rail.
 9. The precision measurement dispenser accordingto claim 1, wherein the base unit further comprises a motor unit forcooperating with and operating the dispensing section.
 10. The precisionmeasurement dispenser of claim 1, wherein the rotary shuttle feedmechanism comprises a rotatable disk defining a first pocket having afirst volume and a second pocket having a second volume, wherein saidfirst and second pockets are positioned to feed volumes of material tothe dispensing port.
 11. The precision measurement dispenser of claim 9,wherein the rotary shuttle feed mechanism comprises a first disk and asecond disk concentric and adjacent to the first disk, wherein: thefirst disk and second disk define a variable volume pocket depending ona relative position of the first disk and second disk; and the variablevolume pocket is positioned to feed a volume of material to thedispensing port.
 12. The precision measurement dispenser of claim 1,wherein the rotary shuttle feed mechanism further comprises a materialagitator.
 13. The precision measurement dispenser of claim 1, whereinthe at least one storage container includes an airtight cover and thedispensing section of the at least one storage container includes anairtight sealing means.
 14. The precision measurement dispenser systemof claim 13, wherein the at least storage container is operativelyconnected to a vacuum means.
 15. The precision measurement dispenser ofclaim 13, wherein the cover of the at least storage container furthercomprises a dessicant or a humectant for humidity control.
 16. Theprecision measurement dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least storagecontainer is operatively associated with a temperature control means.17. The precision measurement dispenser according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one storage container further comprises a motor unit forcooperating with and operating the dispensing section.
 18. The precisionmeasurement dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least onestorage container further comprises an identification means; and thebase unit comprises a reader for the identification means incommunication with the controller.
 19. The precision measurementdispenser according to claim 18, wherein the identification means isselected from the group consisting of barcodes, QR codes, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags, near field communication (NFC)tags, and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) tags.
 20. The precision measurementdispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent portionin the at least one storage compartment for viewing stored material. 21.The precision measurement dispenser according to claim 1, wherein thebase unit further comprises a display operatively connected with thecontroller.
 22. The precision measurement dispenser according to claim1, wherein the at least one storage compartment further comprises alabeling means selected from the group consisting of a stick-on labelportion, magnetic labels, label frames for holding printed labels,dry-erase portions for hand labeling, and chalkboard portions for handlabeling.
 23. The precision measurement dispenser according to claim 1,wherein the dispensing section is positioned within the at least onestorage compartment.
 24. The precision measurement dispenser accordingto claim 3, further comprising: a wireless transceiver attached to theprocessor of the controller and configured for communication with anexternal network.
 25. The precision measurement dispenser according toclaim 24, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executableinstructions configured to perform operations comprising: downloading,from a network via the wireless transceiver, at least one recipeconsisting of a plurality of ingredients and corresponding amounts ofthe ingredients to be dispensed; and storing the at least one recipe inthe electronic storage.
 26. The precision measurement dispenseraccording to claim 25, wherein the processor is configured withprocessor-executable instructions configured to perform operationscomprising: updating the ingredients of the at least one recipe from anetwork via the wireless transceiver.
 27. The precision measurementdispenser according to claim 3, wherein the processor is configured withprocessor-executable instructions configured to perform operationscomprising: recommending ingredient substitutions based upon a selectedcriteria.
 28. The precision measurement dispenser according to claim 27,wherein the selected criteria is a diet selected from the groupconsisting of low-fat, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-carbohydrate,low-sugar, sugar-free, gluten-free, non-allergenic, high-protein,high-calorie, vegetarian, and vegan.
 29. A precision measurementdispenser, comprising: at least one storage compartment for receivingand holding a quantity of material to be dispensed, the at least onestorage compartment comprising: a dispensing section; and a dispensingport at a lower end; and a base unit comprising: a controller having aninput section for receiving data and an output section for directing theoperation of the dispensing section; a scale for weighing materialdispensed by the dispensing section, the scale being operative toprovide feedback to the controller for monitoring the quantity ofmaterial dispensed from the dispensing section; and a keypad for dataentry to the controller, wherein: the input section of the controller isconfigured to receive data from the keypad indicating a type ofingredient of the material and a desired quantity of material to bedispensed expressed in volumetric units, a processor of the controlleris configured to convert the desired volumetric units of the type ofingredient to corresponding weight units of material to be dispensed,and the output section of the controller is configured to output acontrol signal to the dispensing unit to cause the dispensing unit todispense the desired quantity of material by weight; the at least onestorage container further comprises an identification means; and thebase unit comprises a reader for the identification means incommunication with the controller.
 30. A precision measurementdispenser, comprising: at least one storage compartment for receivingand holding a quantity of material to be dispensed, the at least onestorage compartment comprising: a dispensing section; and a dispensingport at a lower end; and a base unit comprising: a controller having aninput section for receiving data and an output section for directing theoperation of the dispensing section; a scale for weighing materialdispensed by the dispensing section, the scale being operative toprovide feedback to the controller for monitoring the quantity ofmaterial dispensed from the dispensing section; and a keypad for dataentry to the controller, wherein: the input section of the controller isconfigured to receive data from the keypad indicating a type ofingredient of the material and a desired quantity of material to bedispensed expressed in volumetric units, a processor of the controlleris configured to convert the desired volumetric units of the type ofingredient to corresponding weight units of material to be dispensed,and the output section of the controller is configured to output acontrol signal to the dispensing unit to cause the dispensing unit todispense the desired quantity of material by weight; an electronicstorage operative to store volumetric unit to mass unit conversionfactors for one or more of the types of ingredients of the materials tobe dispensed, wherein the processor; accesses the electronic storage indirecting operation of the dispensing section; and a wirelesstransceiver attached to the processor of the controller and configuredfor communication with an external network.